Tennessee Senate OKs Abortion Amendment Vote

Tennessee lawmakers moved a step closer Monday to asking voters in the state to decide on a constitutional amendment that would allow lawmakers to put more restrictions on abortions.

The state Senate voted to put an amendment on the ballot that would explicitly say that abortion is not protected under the Volunteer State’s constitution, the Tennessean reported Tuesday. The amendment would, in effect, overturn a court ruling that has kept lawmakers from placing more restrictions on abortions.

"This resolution is only about letting the people decide whether they want their elected representatives to make the laws on abortion," said Sen. Mae Beavers, a Juliet Republican who sponsored the amendment.

If the House approves the measure by the required two-thirds majority, voters will get to decide on it in the 2014 elections. If the majority of voters who cast ballots during that year’s race for governor approve the measure, it will be added to the state’s governing document.

Tennessee lawmakers moved a step closer Monday to asking voters in the state to decide on a constitutional amendment that would allow lawmakers to put more restrictions on abortions.
The state Senate voted to put an amendment on the ballot that would explicitly say that...